The Spanish Ring Knot can be a decorative
button or used as groundwork for other buttons or knots. The
Spanish Ring Knot in 2 passes is the smallest button commonly
braided, thus it also can come undone easier than other buttons.
Note:This is especially true when braided as a two
tone button or when braided in rawhide. In the case of rawhide,
when Spanish Ring Knots get wet and dry repeatedly, they usually
change and are apt to loosen.

Begin by passing the WE around the mandrel
and pass over the SE, Fig. 1. Keep the SE (marked with a yellow
line) to the right as the WE passes left over it and passes right
over it again, Fig. 2. Pass over this same string, now to the
right, Fig. 3. Staying to the left, pass over one to the left,
Fig. 4. Note:These 3 passes over the SE are
indicated in Figs. 2-4 in circled numbers.

Fig. 5 is the same pass as Fig. 4 but with
the mandrel rotated. Pass under one, Fig. 6. Pass over one and
under one, Fig. 7. Pass over one, Fig. 8.

Pass under one, Fig. 9. Pass over two, including
the SE, and under one, Fig. 10. Pass over two and under one,
Fig. 11. Pass over two and under one, Fig.12.

Pass over two and under two, Fig. 13. Pass
over two and under two, Fig. 14. Pass over two and under two,
Fig. 15. To finish, pass over two and insert the WE under two
on top of the WE to complete the Spanish Ring Knot in 2 passes,
Fig. 16.

One variation for keeping the ends more secure
is to pass under the standing end, Fig. 17, then pass under three
strings. The working end will end up one string farther advanced.
Fig. 18 is the finished Spanish Ring Knot in 2 passes viewed
from the back.

Note:A
Spanish Ring Knot needs to be tightened after it has been braided.
It is easiest to braid it slightly loose, because it tightens
as you braid. Starting with the string marked wth a green arrow
in Figs. 16 & 17, follow it throught to the end; also pull
the stranding end snug. By braiding and tightening the button
in this way, it is more evenly spaced and the string is not overstretched.

*Note:String
Length will be given for an average 3/32" to 1/8" width,
a good size when braiding 5/8" flat or 1/2" round diameter.
Adjustments need to be made for variation in string size and
diameter of the item to be braided. These are the lengths
I use. Each braider may need more or less. I would suggest
adding 2 or 3 inches until you find out how much length you need.